Racine- Nello Salvatore Lilla, 78, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Cardiovascular ICU on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 surrounded by his loving family.
The son of Italian immigrants, Nello was born in Kenosha, WI on August 11, 1933 to the late Ottavio and Dolcissima (nee: Vignoli) Lilla. Following graduation from Mary D. Bradford High School, Nello faithfully served our Country as a Sergeant with the United States Air Force in the Korean War from 1951-1955.
On July 19, 1958 in St. Edward Catholic Church, Nello was united in marriage with the love of his life, Ruth Marie Davis. From 1956 until 1965, he was employed as a barber and served as President of the Racine Barber’s Association. In 1965, Nello began his career as a well-respected deputy with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department, serving as “Deputy Friendly” from 1974 until his retirement in 1990. He also served on the Highway Traffic Commission and State Safety Commission from 1966 until 1990. Remaining active in retirement, Nello was employed part-time at Piggly Wiggly – Spring Street as a security officer, although most customers new him as the friendly greeter. Nello currently served on the Civil Service Commission where he was President since 2008.
With personality plus, Nello always enjoyed being in the company of family and friends, whether it was playing cards like Cribbage, Boo Ray, Poker and Hand and Foot, or spending time with his Grandchildren. As a sports enthusiast, Nello was a huge Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. However, nothing was more important than his weekly “date day” with his beloved Ruth. Nello was a tremendous family man who strived to be the best husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather – a goal he certainly achieved.
Surviving are his loving wife of 53 years, his “Special Angel”, Ruth; their children, Michael (Randi) Lilla, Gary (Sara) Lilla and Teri (Kevin Arent) Anchondo; six grandsons (of whom Nello was so proud), Michael (Stephanie) Anchondo, Mario (Julie Valente) Anchondo; Nicholas, Nathan, Matthew and Jacob Lilla; great-grandchildren, Hailey Rose, Bradley and Kyla Anchondo; sisters-in-law, Genevieve Lilla and Mardell Davis; brothers-in-law, Warren (Joyce) Davis and Bob (Suzie) Davis; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention by name.
In addition to his parents, Nello was preceded in death by his brothers, Americo (Marisa) Lilla and Mario Lilla; brother-in-law, Richard Davis; and sister-in-law, Arlene Gray.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 10 am in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, with Rev. Terrance J. Huebner officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 4-7 pm and in the church on Saturday from 9 -10 am.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the wonderful staff at Wheaton Franciscan – ICU for the incredible care and compassionate support extended over the past few days. May God bless all of you!
Tony Midthun says
Gary and Sarah, and Ruth:
I am so sorry to hear about Nello. I always enjoyed visiting with him when he would visit Waterford. Nello was a great man and I know that his is a loss for you and everyone that knew him.
Becky Remster says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in this time. I love you all and you know I will always be here for you. Just like you are always here for us. Love Becky
Anne & Mike Mass says
Nello lived out the love he had for his family. It was always clear how much he was loved by his family too! He has joined the angels and will always be with each of you not just through memories. He was a special man and we are honored to have known him. We send our love and blessings for peace to all of you!
Love,
Anne & Mike
Richard Andersen [Eo] says
Ruth & Family,
Sorry to hear about the passing of Nello. He was a person everyone will always remember. Worked with him for many years at Piggly Wiggly on Spring Street. Sorry we cann’t be at his memorial, we are up north. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Richard & Diane Andersen
Bill Heidingsfelder says
I am so proud that I knew Nello. I will miss that smiling face and that boundless enthusiasm for life. Cub’s opening day won’t be the same anymore. My heart goes out to Ruth, Teri, Mike, Gary and the whole family, which Nello loved so much. God bless you sir, and one day I know we’ll be watching the opener together once again. Love, the Goodkid.
Nikki Bergin says
We are so sorry for your loss. Nello was a wonderful man. God bless all of you during this difficult time.
Sharon Malone says
Ruth, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sharon Malone (Gertrude Brask’s daughter)
Joe and Pat Falduto says
We are so sorry to learn of Nello’s passing. He was a very special person and always so proud of his family. We are in Arizona now but please know our love and prayers are with all of you now and aways.
Love, Joe and Pat
Gina Falaschi says
Ruth – I can’t imagine what you and your family must be going through. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad I got to meet your wonderful husband. May he rest in peace and may your love, faith and strength guide you through this difficult time.
With sympathy, Gina
Patrick J. Murphy says
Dear Ruth and Family. I am so deeply sorry that I was unable to attend Nello's funeral. He was one of the best. I recently had hip joint replacement surgery so it has keep me close to home.